MP launches new signage for Thames litter collectors

Nickie Aiken MP (Con, Cities London & Westminster) took to the Thames outside Parliament (31 March), to unveil new eight-metre long banners on Port of London Authority (PLA) litter collectors in the river.

Annually, more than 200 tonnes of rubbish – enough to fill the Blackwall Tunnel – accumulates in seven PLA-operated litter collectors, strategically positioned in the river between Putney and Greenwich.

New signage attached to the floating structures directs the public to the PLA’s recently-launched Cleaning The Thames website, which highlights how they can support river clean-ups.

Originally designed to collect stray branches and other natural obstacles to navigation in the river, the “passive driftwoods collectors” (PDCs) are now regularly filled with throw-away debris, such as bottles, cans and carrier bags, discarded on the capital’s streets.

The PLA’s Marine Services team also regularly recovers large debris items from the Thames foreshore, such as bikes, traffic cones and shopping trolleys.

Nickie Aiken MP said: “I applaud the PLA’s work to remove litter from the Thames.

“Debris ending up in the river – particularly non-biodegradable plastics – is a totally unnecessary threat to the many species of birds, fish and other wildlife, who depend on it for their survival.”

“We must all do our bit to protect what is not only a key attraction for visitors from near and far, but also an underused amenity for all Londoners – both characteristics which will be on show to the world this weekend, as the Boat Race returns to the Tideway after a two-year absence, resulting from the pandemic.”

Steven Clapperton, director of sustainable marine operations at the PLA, said: “Along with countless, dedicated volunteers, up and down the river, we work hard to keep as much litter as we can out of the Thames.

“Our main message to the public has to be: prevention is better than cure.

“Please always dispose of your litter properly – preferably making sure it goes for recycling, if possible.”